Legislation -
Placed on Calendar
(Senate)
-
July 17, 2003

Legislation -
Bill Passed
(House)
(421-2) -
July 16, 2003(Key vote)

Vote Result

Yea Votes

Nay Votes

Vote to pass a bill that would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out Project Bioshield.

Highlights:

$5.6 billion was authorized for fiscal years 2004 to 2113, with strict limitations.

Specified only $3.4 billion to be used between fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2008.

Only $890 million of the $3.4 billion can be used in fiscal 2004.

Project Bioshield is an initiative to research and develop vaccines, medications, and other countermeasures to combat biological, chemical, nuclear, or radiological bioterrorism threats to our national security.

Allows the Secretary of HHS to allow the use of "unapproved products" in the event of an emergency.

Speeds up the process of authorization for funds for research and purchase of agents to combat bioterrorism.